Its literally the definition of a hypocrite., Lentz was fired from Hillsong in November 2020, with Houston citing his moral failures.. Two years ago, controversial longtime Alabama pastor the Rev. When Hayes and a then-boyfriend had sex and confessed their slip-up to Lentz, she recalled their exchange: Carl asked, Did you use protection? I interrupted, Yes, of course. And his next response was, Huh. According to its website, ARC matches dollar-for-dollar the first $50,000 pastors raise for their church plants. Paul waited something like 14 years, no? Whether or not youre a christian, It only takes an ounce of humility to realize that, especially in a time of crisis, the church is essential to many people. When all of this came out, I was really mad, she says. We need to be the church. But when they questioned her about it, Crenshaw says, It fel[t] like an interrogation.. . Nothing being mentioned about plans for trauma therapy and legal support for the victims including the pastors spouses and children. So he made a quick $307,500-$410,000. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. But all was not holy. I want to grow. Dipper Pines IRL. Watch Now. In the words of the prophets Emerson, Lake, and Palmer: I had this album I think it was in high school and that was a loooong time ago. Hodges and his [..] band of professional pastors are the upper echelon of the church. But I can look you in the eye and say I have been tested, stripped, disciplined, broken.. The Church of the Highlands Senior Pastor Leadership Team are: 2. I find that sign to be pretty self-centered. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. I once served Dino Rizzo, his wife and daughters while working at Ruths Chris Steakhouse just before the scandal broke of him having the extra marital affair. Michael Hodges (pictured) son of founder and Senior Pastor of the nearly 40,000 member Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, was recently removed as pastor of the Greystone campus due to a moral failing. Privacy Policy. The church has been referred to as a cult by people who left the program. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. any of our recommended best-selling books. In Step One you'll discover more about our beliefs, leadership, church government, membership, how we handle money, and how we intentionally organize our church. I can relate, Vicki! It is headquartered next to COTHs Greystone Campus in Birmingham, Alabama. We met playing golf. Get Directions. I remember being in a greenroom at a Church where this clown (Hodges) was bragging about how little he pays lower staff members because people are lined up wanting jobs at COTH. The reason he isnt building a retreat center for victims is because he sees upper level ministers/pastors as more important than your average lowly church attender. They provide counsel to the Senior Pastor Leadership Team regarding the major financial commitments of the church. I had to. The Roys Report reached out to Rizzo and Vibrant for comment, but neither responded. Chuck DeGroats When Narcissism Comes to Church is very helpful. Genuine repentance, heartfelt apologies, meaningful restitution, and long-term accountability should follow [add reporting to law enforcement in cases of sexual abuse, financial embezzlement, or other criminal behaviors], not glittering poolside dinners. So why are a few likes on social media becoming such a defining moment for this, Freelance Journalist. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Laura. Learn More So, this notion of restoring a pastor while keeping almost all the relevant details of his sin private does not seem biblical at all. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Chris and his wife, Tammy, have five children and 8 grandchildren and live in Birmingham, Alabama where they still root for the LSU Tigers. This year, two lawsuits have been filed against ARC or its Executive Director Dino Rizzo for negligence or cover-up in sexual harassment or abuse cases involving ARC pastors. Church Of The Highlands. In January 2021 we launchedGrowLeader in order to better support pastors and leaders in their desire to personally grow in leadership so their churches can reach more people and make a greater impact. Church of the Highlands faces social media firestorm. "Now they want to plant a white church in a black neighborhood under the umbrella of supposedly to fight crime? Oxford Civic Center 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, Alabama 36203 Get Directions Weekend Services Sunday This story has been shared 132,431 times. Named in a similar lawsuit filed in Mississippi is Dino Rizzo. We dont have to be alike. in order to better support pastors and leaders in their desire to personally grow in leadership so their churches can reach more people and make a greater impact. Learn about Next Steps to connect to the opportunities available at . Church of the Highlands Exposed Part 1 of 2 18,048 views Sep 10, 2018 87 Dislike Share Save Right Divider 2.56K subscribers CORRECTION: I called the pastor "Bill Hybels." That is incorrect. Though The Roys Report has done much to create conversation about the sicknesses in the world of evangelicalism, much that is good and right (I loved the article about the Tomlin-Hillsong experience), it often falls short of its stated mission: reporting the truth. Sengstock claims that when he reported this to church leadership, they tried to pay him off with hush money. Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Ben Kirby, who created the Instagram account PreachersNSneakers, began noticing Lentz because of his expensive threads. I posted a picture of him wearing a Supreme-Louis Vuitton hoodie, he says in the doc. So he made a quick $307,500-$410,000. And though ARC seems to have a number of challenges and potential mistakes around leaders who fail morally, we still dont have all the facts. backstage sign on the pic at the top. I understand how this has made you feel and I apologize. someone noticed he had been following Charlie Kirk, president of Turning Point USA, and liking posts by the controversial conservative commentator. Surratt confirmed to The Roys Report that ARC churches often give a portion of their annual income to ARC. In contrast, a sign that might better honor James + a vine-branch analogy perhaps would read, I know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness; by your help, may I faithfully represent you today. Just a thought (my sign also might need revision ;) ). Theres no evidence given that restoring pastors is lucrative. According to Karim, over the course of their affair, Lentz cried in front of her, which she took as a sign of his vulnerability. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Neece said ARCs non-officer board members are not paid. Theyre wondering, where do you really stand? How so? I want to hear.. The lawsuit alleges Rizzo failed to protect an intern after learning she was sexually harassed by a pastor at Vibrant Church, an ARC member church in Columbus, Mississippi. : https://evangelicaldarkweb.org/2020/03/30/is-chris-hodges-a-false-teacher/, Russell Hinson Church of the Highlands bloodless gospel: https://churchofthehighlandsbloodlessgospel.com/, 9Marks 4 Reflections after Listening to 18 Hours of Sermons in Americas Biggest Churches: https://www.9marks.org/article/4-reflections-after-listening-to-18-hours-of-sermons-in-americas-biggest-churches/, Disrupting Giants Chris Hodges: http://disruptinggiants.blogspot.com/, The Wartburg Watch Where Have All the Flowers Gone? It seems to imply that we (in ourselves) are good enough to do Gods work for Him. 20K views Streamed 2 years ago It's been a week of controversy for the Church of the Highlands. Fun fact, I was a participant in the program in one of the early years. The church has been video-streaming services only and not holding public in-person worship since March 10. This has led to reverence for him that makes him a very influential speaker in what is primarily a prosperity gospel church (God rewards good works with physical blessings). I want to be known for that., Hodges said hed rather prevent moral falls than clean them up, but added, I dont mind doing that. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. But Proverbs 31 says to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Auburn East Campus 2001 East Samford Avenue Auburn, Alabama 36830 Get Directions Weekend Services Sunday Pastor Chris Hodges responds to social media controversy, The pastor of Alabamas largest church has come under fire for his social media 'likes'. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Chris is the Founder and President of the, Chris is the Founder of a coaching network called, Chris is the Secretary of the Board and on the Advisory Board of. I am not the same Chris Hodges I was two weeks ago, Hodges said. I would love for you to not just look at a microscopic zoom-in but look at the totality of 37 years of ministry and 19 years as a church, Hodges said Sunday in his sermon to his diverse but mostly white Alabama congregation. I AM an RZ survivor. I truly believe were going to see lasting change.. Former Hillsong College student Yolandi Bosch says, If you were a church that was open and trusting, why would you get your members to sign an NDA? Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. One of the posts, according to AL.com, shows two photos one featuring President Donald Trump standing next to Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks with the caption The racist Donald Trump in the 1980s, and the other featuring Democratic Virginia Gov. I believe it to be a sign that someone is not qualified for a prominent leadership role if that person cannot or will not do anything else. Restoration of relationship and ministry requires full disclosure and an acceptance of responsibility. Chris is the Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, The Overseers serve as Apostolic Elders which are: Rick Bezet, Robert Morris, Tom Mullins, Larry Stockstill and Greg Surratt.Chris states that Robert Morris and Phil Pringle are his mentors.Chris is the Founder and President of the Highlands College.Chris is the Co-Founder of ARC Churches (Association Lee brings inspiration and practical strategies for pastors and business leaders to understand their significant eternal return on investment, or what he calls "e-ROI", that their relationship creates to build the Kingdom of God. Lets protect one another again., He added, Weve got to not let this moment pass us by and act like it didnt happen.. I just went from sharing something so personal and youre using it to shame me and condemn me.. Rest and relaxation for overworked clergy members and spouses at a comfortable resort is one ministry. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Grow Leader also sponsors two-day Round Tables, where for $7,500 lead pastors and leaders can learn from Hodges and Domingue in an intimate setting. Former interns alleged to NBC that Joel, 42, openly used the N-word, called black interns thugs and was the main one doing the pitting and mocking.", https://nypost.com/2021/05/19/cult-mentality-louisiana-megachurch-accused-of-abusing-teens/. . When she asked for his last name, He was like, When people Google people its not a good look. White folk have proved they don't want to live next door to us, or be our neighbors, or worship with us," Jordan said in an earlier report. America, Im crying out to you, learn, lament, and lets get each others backs again, Hodges said. He let it slip to me about the intern from Oklahoma working on a video series with him. His wife and daughters left and then he ordered an alcoholic dessert. Clericalism only Clergy (Priests, Monks, Nuns, Ministers, Pastors, Worship Leaders, Full-Time Professional Christians) matter before God; Laity (everyone else) can all go to hell. The lawsuit alleges that other victims reported similar misconduct by the same pastor to the church and Rizzo as early as 2016. Tell me what I dont know, he said. Hes influenced churches all over the world.. Seems like the bar is pretty low. Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, a new three-part docuseries premiering March 24 on Discovery+, dives into the jaw-dropping history of the religious institution and its founder Brian Houston, who has been accused of everything from embezzling church funds to covering up child sex abuse. Nice business plan but thats about it, if this will be real life changing kingdom work it remains to be seen. Moral failings are a personal issue, and should be handled with private counseling for the person and their family. a GrowLeader event that we know will be transformative in the way you lead. To think we can is just another example of the evangelical worlds sickness. We all know what divides us, but what can bring us together? Hodges said. [CDATA[*/var out = '',el = document.getElementsByTagName('span'),l = ['>','a','/','<',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 115',' 100',' 110',' 97',' 108',' 104',' 103',' 105',' 104',' 101',' 104',' 116',' 102',' 111',' 104',' 99',' 114',' 117',' 104',' 99',' 64',' 111',' 102',' 110',' 105','>','\"',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 115',' 100',' 110',' 97',' 108',' 104',' 103',' 105',' 104',' 101',' 104',' 116',' 102',' 111',' 104',' 99',' 114',' 117',' 104',' 99',' 64',' 111',' 102',' 110',' 105',':','o','t','l','i','a','m','\"','=','f','e','r','h','a ','<'],i = l.length,j = el.length;while (--i >= 0)out += unescape(l[i].replace(/^\s\s*/, '&#'));while (--j >= 0)if (el[j].getAttribute('data-eeEncEmail_vriwJxnadd'))el[j].innerHTML = out;/*]]>*/, Contact Us Online Store Site Feedback Employment Privacy, . Recently, Grow Leader sponsored a Round Table in which 41 pastors participated, according to social media postings and comments Hodges made during a COTH service. Which means we cant arrive at the truth. To donate, click here. About a year later, when Rizzo was restored to ministry at ARC and COTH, Greg Surratt admitted that Rizzo had been in an inappropriate friendship with another woman. Surratt added that Rizzo had submitted to a restoration process led by Chris Hodges and others and now was qualified to serve. In my church (Romish Popery), Clericalism is recognized as a Heresy. Hodges thanked Maxwell for inviting his sons to speak and said no other pastor had ever given his sons an opportunity like that. Houston, 68, stepped down as the churchs director in January (amid a court caseaccusing Houston of hiding his late fathers sexual abuse of children all of which the church has denied), and he resigned for good March 23, after an internal misconduct investigation, which found Houston had behaved inappropriately towards two women. , a ministry training school that has trained and launched hundreds of students into full-time ministry careers all over the world. During that time, Lee committed. A summary of Michaels address to the church was not immediately available when The Christian Post reached out to Freedom House on Tuesday and representatives said they did not record it. It makes you feel like your belief system is valid in the modern world, Hardy says, referring to Lentzs cutting-edge haircut, tattoos and clothing, which lured in millennial and Gen Z congregants. Chris Hodges is founder and leader of Church of the Highlands. Michael reportedly spoke at the Lake Norman campus of the church while his father spoke at the main campus. Bethany Church ran a "youth initiative training program" called 220i from 2005 to 2013 in which African American and LGBTQIA+ interns were tortured by their church leaders. Id just rather catch that on the front end.. First Wednesday Messages. Rizzo used to be a pastor of The Healing Placean ARC member megachurch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [CDATA[*/var out = '',el = document.getElementsByTagName('span'),l = ['>','a','/','<',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 115',' 100',' 110',' 97',' 108',' 104',' 103',' 105',' 104',' 101',' 104',' 116',' 102',' 111',' 104',' 99',' 114',' 117',' 104',' 99',' 64',' 111',' 102',' 110',' 105','>','\"',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 115',' 100',' 110',' 97',' 108',' 104',' 103',' 105',' 104',' 101',' 104',' 116',' 102',' 111',' 104',' 99',' 114',' 117',' 104',' 99',' 64',' 111',' 102',' 110',' 105',':','o','t','l','i','a','m','\"','=','f','e','r','h','a ','<'],i = l.length,j = el.length;while (--i >= 0)out += unescape(l[i].replace(/^\s\s*/, '&#'));while (--j >= 0)if (el[j].getAttribute('data-eeEncEmail_KXnUroifdE'))el[j].innerHTML = out;/*]]>*/. The church has been referred to as a cult by people who left the program. But, Later on, I realized it was bullst, Karim says. Youre a true mentor, youre a dear friend. (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/*